The mastermind behind the Texas prison escape

The escapees are now called the Connally Seven, after the John Connally maximum-security prison 60 miles southeast of San Antonio, Texas, they so brazenly broke out of on Dec. 13. But they might just as well be called the Rivas Gang, to give credit where credit is due. Most law-enforcement officers believe George Rivas, 30, is not only the first among the seven, but also the brains behind the entire operation--smart enough to begin plotting the escape six months in advance and smart enough to ingratiate himself and his trusted companions into the right work duty on the right day. "Guards...